traditional diplomacy, what's the relevance?

The many changes that occured over the past since the eighteenth century did affect the nature of diplomacy considerably, from "old" to "new" diplomacy and there are many evidence to support them. However, it would be naive to undermine the role of old standard methods of international negotiations, especially the role of institutions such as embassies. Diplomacy is no longer limited to high level government officials sitting opposite each other in negotiations(Diplomatic courier article). It is often said that with the development of communication, the role and function of an ambassador have been diminished even more so with the introduction of summitry and shuttle diplomacy. Indeed the international relations have been faced with various challenges that affected the diplomatic community globally but the structure of the old diplomacy remains in format. The old principle of that negotiations depends on reliability and confidence is an eternal principle that has not lost its significance (Nicholson,h. vol40 n1,1961). Globalisation has led to evolution in diplomacy and technology has favored easy and quick exchange of information and negotiation between states but the fact remains that old institutions such as embassies are still indispensable. The representatives still play a key role in those negotiations, for example in the study of local conditions, assess areas of susceptibility, form personnal relationship with local officials in the country where they are based, in order to advise the men at the top on how far to trust their counterparts. Again it is about the creation of confidence and credibility which are the basis of traditional diplomacy. The meeting between israeli ambassador, Ron Prosor with the foreign ministry heads following the use of British passports in the Hamas commander assasination, just goes to show how important these institutions are , the presence of representatives could help negotiate an issue more promptly. The New dipolmacy is more of a make over of the "old", with a more modern approach and with adaptation to contemporary demand.

Nicholson,h., "Diplomacy there and now"in foreign affairs, vol40, n1,1961
Joel Hainsfurther,"will globalisation end?", diplomatic courier 2010